Making money is a hectic process that can take a toll on your sanity, especially when the job has absolutely no security. However, being your own boss is a different level of satisfaction where you can choose your working hours, pay, and even your workplace. Yes, you heard us right! Freelancing is like an open boat that takes you through several interesting turns which may surprise you at every end! The unfolding of the freelancing era has created an unsaid buzz in today’s marketplace.
Being a freelancer means you can start your work from literally anywhere and chill at the same time! Although it may sound like an easy ride, it is not the easiest. If you plan to become the next freelancer, you’ve landed on the right page! Today, this blog will give you a glimpse of making money through freelancing. Let’s quickly dive in to unfold the secrets of the freelancing world!
Introduction to a Freelancer
A freelancer can be defined as an educated and skilled employee who offers their skills to multiple organisations simultaneously and mints money. The best part is freelancers can work from home, offices, or anywhere in the world without worrying about convenience.
Freelancers generally work on monthly or project basis contracts. They also possess complete rights to pick their most favoured way of working. All they are responsible for the tasks to be done within the deadline for which they are paid a hefty amount.
How does freelancing work?
In today’s world, where we spend an average of 3 hours on the internet, and social media sites, freelancing works have become quite common and one of the best ways to make money without draining yourself to the core. To start your freelancing journey, you only need a skilled professional, a peaceful workspace to curate your thoughts, a PC or laptop, and, of course, an internet connection!
Freelancing promotes the concept of working from home/ WFH, where you can sit in your comfort zone and start the work. However, deadlines are the most important factor a freelancer cannot miss to maintain credibility. Else, you may not find good clients going further. Certain clients promise project-based work, whereas others pay freelancers on a monthly basis.
The best way to build your profile as a freelancer is by working continuously, changing companies for growth, delivering tasks timely, and correcting reworks as soon as possible. That’s the way you can survive in the freelancing world! Note freelancing is not a new way to find jobs. Therefore, a large crowd is waiting for that one job profile you also want. Therefore, be prepared for the competition.
Who can be a freelancer?
To be honest, a person who understands the industry in the best way possible possesses a deep understanding of their niche and has mastered the required skill set can ace this field. Whether you’re a mother of two, a retired army officer, or a college student, literally, anyone can do freelancing!
- At first, freelancing may be a big challenge as it does not promise continuous work and income. However, with time and experience, you can generate a regular income that officially makes you a pro freelancer.
- A deep understanding of the industry is indeed a necessity to become a freelancer. No matter what field you choose, a certain amount of knowledge is necessary.
Salary of an average freelancer in India
Freelancing is one of the trendiest ways to mint money online. However, it is largely impacted by the industry type, the competition level, your skill set, and your total experience. The salary of an average freelancer in India can range somewhere between INR 25,000 to INR 2,00,000 and even more, only if you put in extra effort to make it work!
Some of the highest-paying freelancing jobs in India include writing services, web development, legal aids, IT security services, programming, and so on. In the Indian writing industry, there are writers like Komal Ahuja and Saheli Chatterjee who earn about 15,00,000 to 50,00,000 annually!
If you can be the next freelancer, try exploring freelancing websites like WorknHire, Youth4work, Freelance India, Elance, Guru, freelancer.com and 99Designs. This website provides regular work where freelancers charge ₹1,150/hour. Once you have collected all stars for your profile, money, and fame will follow you like never before!
Best platforms to find freelancing jobs in India
Finding a freelancing job is a task in itself! However, you need to make some extra efforts to find that perfect project with the excellent pay you were always craving for. Here is the complete list of ways to find freelancing jobs in India –
- Search freelancing portals such as Naukri, Monster, Indeed, etc.
- Go to LinkedIn and build an exciting freelancing profile.
- You can also head to platforms like Freelance India, Truelancer, Upwork, Freelancer.com, etc., to start your freelancing journey.
- Take up crash courses that brush your skills on a continuous basis.
- Join Facebook and whatsapp groups for excellent freelancing work opportunities.
- Search through instagram for some freelancing work.
- Build connections on LinkedIn with industry leaders and other freelancers.
Steps to make money through freelancing
Starting a freelancing journey is a hectic process that can be proven cumbersome if not done rightly! Here is the step-by-step process to make money through freelancing –
- Identify your skills
The first and foremost step to begin your freelancing journey is to identify what you are best at! Do you like writing? Is reading or typewriting your calling? Are you a tech-savvy person who loves programming? Do you find interest in web development and website making?
Analyze your skills and interests from a closer lens that can leverage your money before starting your freelancing career. Additionally, look in the market to see if there is a demand for such skills and what kind of clients these skills require. Also, determine what services you can offer people will be willing to pay for.
- Choose a niche
Another most important step to nit a successful freelancing career is to choose a niche that meets your interests. Rather than going all over the place and being a jack-of-all-trades, it is always better to specialize in a particular niche that best suits your skills as well as interests. This way, you can establish yourself as an expert and increase your earning potential with time and experience. For example – If you want to become a writer, choose a niche to write. It can be anything from marketing to travel, food, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and more. Make sure you’re making the right choice in the first go!
- Create a compelling portfolio.
Once you’ve picked your favourite niche, it’s time to build your portfolio, which is the most important step in the process. A portfolio reflects your understanding and skills; hence, you cannot afford to go wrong with it! Try showcasing your best works in your portfolio to all potential clients you want to work with in the future. You can also add case studies, samples, examples, or any project you’re currently working on. This will help you attract potential clients and showcase your abilities in the best way possible.
- Start networking with people.
Networking with people within your industry and domain is another important factor that can bring 360-degree change. We all want to build strong connections with our potential clients. And this can only happen if we take the first step. Do not hesitate to send customized messages to your potential client to reach out to them. You can also conduct a conversation with them by joining online communities, following them on Linked In, sending them emails, or attending networking events where experts from different fields come under one roof. Furthermore, to enhance your reach, try offering your services at discounted prices, attracting clients’ attention.
- Set your rates rightly.
To become successful as a freelancer, determining your worth is another crucial factor to succeed. Conduct thorough research about your skills and the market prices. Based on that, set a particular rate you want to charge your clients. However, ensure you’re open to negotiations to avoid miscommunication and confusion and not close all doors for yourself.
- Find clients on freelancing platforms.
Hunting your favorite clients on the various freelancing platforms is another drill you cannot miss! There are tons of reliable freelancing platforms, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, where projects and clients are both accessible! The platforms like Linked In are one of the best ways to find your first client that pays well. You can also network with people in your industry, attend conferences, and reach out to potential clients directly. However, before hooping to any conclusion, closely review all terms and conditions of the platform and understand commission and charges policies before enrolling.
- Delivery work timely
The most vital step to building a successful freelancing career is delivering timely work. This promises repeated work and referrals that can bring a massive positive change to your business profile. Not delivering content timely will lead to client dissatisfaction and result in the termination of the project. After that, you never know when to land on the next one! Hence, it is always better to be on time and avoid delays.
- Manage your finances
As a freelancer, keep a close track of your income and expenses. Additionally, set aside money for taxes so you do not have to worry at the end of every financial year. You may want to consider using invoicing software readily available on the web for streamlining your billing process. Also, it will help you make better financial decisions and fulfil your short and long-term goals without any failure.
- Expand your network with time.
Once you’ve started to work as a freelancer and gained certain months and years of experience, it’s time to build your community. Start posting regularly on LinkedIn and build a strong community that stays with you through thick and thin. You can also add more to your overall services, offering great value to all your clients.
Top highest-paid freelancing jobs in India
Here is the complete list of the top highest-paid freelancing jobs in India –
- Web design and development
Web design and development is regarded as one of the most famous freelancing jobs in India. From small startups to large enterprises, everyone looks to hire a web design and development freelancer as they are way more inexpensive and highly skilled to complete the work timely compared to large agencies or full-time developers.
As a newbie, you may not fetch a large amount of money; however, with time and experience, money follows automatically. Some skills required to become a web designer and developer are Web Development Frameworks, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Graphic Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), User Experience (UX) Design, Server-side Programming, Management, Database and Communication Skills. You can look for opportunities on freelancing websites such as Hubstaff Talent, Flexiple, Toptal, Arc, Upwork, Guru, Fiverr, and others.
- Freelance writer
As the world is taking the path of digitization, the need for freelance writers is increasing every day. If you find writing and reading interesting, becoming a freelance writer can be an ideal choice. There are different types of freelance writing to choose from. These include articles, blogs, white papers, copywriting, research work, ghostwriting, social media writing, etc.
Some prominent skills required to become a freelance content writer include writing, Time management, research, Understanding of SEO, attention to detail, Creativity and Adaptability. For writing opportunities, you can go on freelancing websites like Blogging Pro, ProBlogger Job Board, Contently, iWriter, Contena, People Per Hour, Upwork, and others.
- Social media management
Social media management is a key role played by a social media manager who handles and coordinates a brand’s social media pages on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc. as a social media manager; you need to possess a deep understanding of social media algorithms and track them every day.
Skills required to become a social media manager are content creation, Analytics, Networking, Communication, Marketing, Social media strategy and Adaptability. Various freelancing sites to find out managing jobs include MarketerHire, Upwork, Mayple, GrowTal, Fiverr, and so on.
- Software Developer
In today’s digital time, software developers are in high demand. Today, most businesses must build a strong web presence either in the form of an application or through a website. And that’s what a software developer does! As a software developer, you possess a deep understanding of several domains, such as Android developer, PHP developer, game development, and Java developers.
To ace this field, you need to have knowledge about most programming languages, including Java, Ruby, JavaScript etc. skills required to become a software developer include Programming Languages, Web Development, Problem Solving, Software Development Methodologies, Data Structures and Algorithms, Continuous Integration, Operating Systems, Database Management, Communication and Deployment.
There are tons of freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Toptal, Turing, Fiverr, Gun.io, Flexible, PeoplePerHour, and others to find the best job.
- Graphic Designing
Are you a creative head who loves to play with figures, colours, and designs? If so, you can choose graphic designing as your freelancing path to flair your creativity to the maximum levels. As a freelancer, you would be expected to design and develop graphics for print and electronic media such as posters, art & illustrations, banners, logo design, etc.
Various skills required to become an A-listed graphic designer include Typography, Layout Design, Design Software Proficiency, Color Theory, Creativity, Communication, Attention to Detail and Time Management. You can hop onto websites like Upwork, DesignCrowd, Designhill, PeoplePerHour, Behance, Dribbble, Guru, 99Designs, and others to find the most suitable job.
Top freelancing sites in India
In India, there are several prominent freelancing sites one can rely on. These are as follows –
- Upwork
Upwork is an online freelancing platform that was created in the year 2015 with the aim of bringing freelancers and business leaders under one roof. This online platform builds a strong connection between freelancers and their clients searching for different services, including web development, design, writing, translation, marketing, and more.
As per recent data, Upwork has more than 20 million registered freelancers along with 7 million registered clients, making it India’s biggest online platform that promises a secured payment system. The platforms offer various tools and services which bridge the gap between businesses and freelancers, such as job postings, time tracking, messaging and project management.
Overall, Upwork offers a convenient and efficient way for freelancers and clients to connect and work together, providing both parties with a reliable and secure platform.
- Fiverr
Initially founded in 2010, Fiverr is a renowned freelancing platform that allows freelancers from all around the world to offer their services to all potential clients. It is an extremely easy-to-use platform with a simple interface where clients can easily browse through millions of profiles and services freelancers offer.
The most famous services offered at Fiverr are digital marketing, writing, graphic design, video editing, and more. Clients on Fiverr search for potential freelancers using filters such as category, budget, and other criteria. Freelancers can also promote their services through social media and other channels to attract more clients.
The platform promotes tools like messaging systems, file sharing, and order tracking for easy and hassle-free functioning! If you’re looking for a convenient and accessible platform, go to Fiverr!
- Freelancer
Freelancer or freelancer.com is an online portal that allows budding freelancers to showcase their skills and experience to all potential clients in India and all around the world. Employers here can ask for samples and portfolios from freelancers to understand their working style.
The platform provides various services and tools which allow employees as well as freelancers to conduct clear and concise communications. Popular services offered by freelancers include mobile app development, web development, software development, graphic design, writing, and more.
With over 50 million registered freelancers, it is one of the world’s biggest communities bringing job seekers and employers together!
Besides these top freelancing platforms, there are several other excellent freelancing sites that promise continuous work and industry-best clients. These include Moonlyte, Remotasks, TaskRabbit, 99designs, and PeoplePerHour. You can head to these sites to avail freelancing work opportunities.
Benefits of freelancing
There are several benefits to freelancing, including:
- Flexibility: One of the biggest benefits of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. Freelancers have the freedom to work from anywhere, choose their own hours, and take on as much or as little work as they want.
- Control: Freelancers have more control over their work than traditional employees. They can choose the projects they want to work on, set their own rates, and negotiate their own contracts.
- Variety: Freelancers get to work on a variety of projects for different clients, which can keep the work interesting and challenging.
- Income potential: Freelancers can often earn more than traditional employees, as they can set their own rates and take on multiple clients at once.
- Professional development: Freelancers are constantly learning and improving their skills as they work on different projects and take on new challenges.
- Networking: Freelancing allows individuals to network with a variety of clients and professionals in their field, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
- Work-life balance: Freelancers can often create their own schedules, which can help them achieve a better work-life balance.
Overall, freelancing offers a lot of benefits for individuals looking for more control and flexibility over their work and the opportunity to grow their skills and income potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, freelancing is a lucrative and flexible career opportunity for people all around India. It allows individuals to work from their respective homes and mint an excellent amount of money just by putting their skills to work. With the rise in the digitised world, the demand for freelancers is increasing every day. As a result, more opportunities are opening each day! To become a successful freelancer, it is crucial for candidates to build the right skills and learn the strategy to make themselves an expert!
FAQs
- How to earn money through freelancing?
As a freelancer, you can earn by getting in touch with potential clients, showing them your portfolio, completing the recruitment process, and starting work. As soon as you make the delivery of the tasks timely, you will receive your payment.
- How much can a freelancer make in a month?
A freelancer can make somewhere around 20,000 to 2,00,000 INR per month. The pay range may differ from company to company. Additionally, factors like total experience, skillset, qualification, work quality, and others are determined by promising pay.
- What are the skills required to become a freelancer?
The most requested skills to become a freelancer are excellent communication, self-motivation, time management, marketing and networking, adaptability, technical skills, writing, etc.
- List the top 7 platforms to start freelancing today.
India’s top 7 freelancing platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, Moonlyte, Remotasks, TaskRabbit, 99designs, and PeoplePerHour.
- Can I do freelancing through Linkedin?
Yes, you can find potential clients on LinkedIn as well. All you need to do is, build a strong portfolio, add excellent quality samples, and reach out to your potential clients.
